The Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland is shaping up to be a grand slam of the world’s best superstars this year, with the flying Scotsman – Dean Wilson confirmed for the November 24 blockbuster inside Mt Smart Stadium.

Wilson raced to a career best seventh overall during this year’s Monster Energy FIM World Supercross Championship despite missing rounds due to injury and included his first ever 450cc SX1 Supercross podium coming at the Indianapolis round inside Lucas Oil Stadium.

Wilson won the Saturday Main-Event SX1 Final at the 2017 AUS-X Open and believes his experience in the southern hemisphere provides a perfect platform to bounce back into the international spotlight, as he looks to secure a ride for the 2019 World Supercross Championship.

“I’m super excited to be coming to New Zealand and competing in the first ever S-X Open Auckland,” Wilson exclaimed.

“It’s perfect timing for me to come down and really put in a good performance; with the high caliber names that are competing this year, if I can beat them, then I’m back on the international radar, which is what I’m aiming for,” Wilson added.

During last year’s event, the 26-year-old took top honors during the Saturday night AUS-X Open final in Australia last year, backing that up with a strong second place on Sunday.

“Obviously last year went really well in Australia – I won the first night and then backed it up with a second on the second night, which was awesome. But just the overall atmosphere and vibe was electric and I hear even more Kiwis are coming to the Auckland race so I couldn’t be more pumped,” stated Wilson.

No stranger to adversity during his career, Wilson has rebounded from two horror seasons in both 2015 & 2016, with two consecutive knee reconstructions keeping him out of the sport for the best part of two years and subsequently losing his ride with the Factory Red Bull KTM team at the time.

Despite the struggle, Wilson created his own team at the beginning of 2017, travelling to the races with his dad in their box van until a ride opened up at Rockstar Energy Husqvarna factory team where he would stay for two years.

Wilson will ride a DPH Motorsport team prepared, Husqvarna FC450 at this year’s Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland.

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) will be supporting the event as part of Auckland’s Major Events Portfolio, which generates social and economic benefits for the region.

The event also forms part of the Monster Energy S-X Open International Supercross FIM Oceania Championship, which consists of two rounds; the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney (November 9-10) and Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland (November 24), and is sanctioned by FIM Oceania (FIMO).
*Tickets start from $39 including GST NZD Per Child Silver Ticket (3-12 Years of age only) and $49 including GST NZD Per Adult Silver Ticket (13 Years and over)

The Monster Energy S-X Open International Supercross FIM Oceania Championship consists of two rounds at the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney (November 9-10) and Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland (November 24) events and is sanctioned by FIM Oceania (FIMO). The AUS-X Open Sydney is the fifth round and finale of the Australian Supercross Championship and is sanctioned by Motorcycling Australia (MA).